Your NRL betting form guide for Round 2

The Dragons’ combination of Gareth Widdop and Ben Hunt proved far too strong against a lacklustre Broncos in round one, whilst the Sharks showed enough against the Cowboys last week in Townsville to suggest that they’ll be a threat to the Dragons in round two.

Key NRL stats

The Sharks have failed to cover the line in 12 of their last 13 home matches.

Six of the last eight matches between these two sides have resulted in ‘Under’ the total match points line.

Each of the Sharks’ last four outings and each of the Dragons’ last seven away matches, have resulted in ‘Under’ the total match points line.

Suggested bet: Dragons to cover the line +2.5 / total match points under 38.5 @ $3.30

The ‘chooks’ were awful against a determined Tigers in round one. Coach Trent Robinson will be hoping the return of Luke Keary will change things quickly. The Bulldogs had their moments against the Storm and showed enough promise to suggest they are an improved outfit this season. Doggies fans will be hoping that the Roosters don’t hit their straps in round two.

Key NRL stats

Each of the last six contests between these two teams has resulted in ‘Over’ the total match points.

The favourite in each of the last 8 meetings between the Roosters and Bulldogs has been victorious.

The Roosters have won eight consecutive regular season home games at Allianz stadium.

There has been no greater rivalry in the NRL over the past five years, with the last three encounters between the two resulting in a golden point finish. The Cowboys were less than convincing in the second half against the Sharks but did enough to get the job done. The Broncos were disappointing against the Dragons and a repeat of that performance could see a blow out against the well fancied Cowboys.

Key NRL stats

Ten of the last 11 games the Cowboys have played at Suncorp Stadium have resulted in a margin of 1-6 points.

Five of the Cowboys last six outings as favourites against the Broncos have resulted in ‘Over’ the total match points.

The Cowboys won all four of their games as away favourites last season and they covered the line in each of those wins.

The two surprise packages of round one go head-to-head in round two. The Warriors’ new recruit Blake Green impressed in his first start and looks to have steadied the Warriors rocky ship. While the Titans showed plenty of grit to come from 18-nil down to beat the Raiders last weekend.

Key NRL stats

The last four home matches for the Warriors have resulted in ‘Over’ the total match points line.

The away team has covered the line in the last six meetings between these two teams.

The Warriors have won 13 of their last 14 encounters against the Titans.

Suggested bet: Titans to cover the line +8.5 / total match points over 46.5 points @$3.75

Penrith were slow out of the gates in round one, however they were able to finish over the top of the Eels in the second half. Bunnies fans would be disappointed after being out enthused by the Warriors in Perth. The loss of Adam Reynolds for this game is a huge loss for the Rabbits.

Key NRL stats

Six of Souths’ last seven outings have gone ‘Over’ the total match points line.

The Panthers have won eight of their past nine home matches.

The underdog has covered the line in each of the last five meetings between these two clubs.

The Storm started where they left off last season, putting in a strong performance in Round 1 against the Bulldogs. Cameron Munster was impressive and moves back to his preferred position of five-eight, with Billy Slater slotting back into the fullback role. The Tigers stunned even their most loyal fans with a round one upset win over the Roosters. This is a very different match-up for the Tigers, coming up against an in-form Strom at their home ground in Melbourne.

Key NRL stats

The last three matches between these clubs have produced an average of 36 points.

The Storm have been dominant in recent outings winning 6 of their last 7 encounters by 13 points or more

Recent history says it's a low scoring game when these two teams meet with 9 of the last 11 matches finishing under the total match points line.

Manly comes off a disappointing loss in golden point against the Knights and are looking for a change of fortune as they return to fortress Brookvale. The Eels impressed in their first half display against the Panthers before falling apart in a second half performance that will have Parramatta fans worried.

Key NRL stats

The Eels travelled well last season winning three of their seven games away when starting as underdogs.

Manly won six of their eight games as home favourites last season.

The last three encounters between these clubs resulted in an average total points scored of 27.6 per match.

The Raiders were in complete control last week against the Titans. At 18-nil after 12 minutes, the Canberra faithful would have been expecting a massive win to kick off their season in style, however the tide turned quickly as they went down in the final minutes of the game 30-28. The Knights scraped in by a golden point against the Sea Eagles, with new recruits Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Pearce the standouts. There will be plenty of buzz in Newcastle and don’t be surprised to see the Knights continue to ride the momentum from their golden point victory.

Key NRL stats

It's a try scoring fest when these two teams meet with their last five encounters producing an average 57.6 total points scored.

The Knights completion rate was exceptional in round one at 87%, compared to the Raiders at 69%.

When the Raiders play at GIO Stadium after a loss they win only 47% of the time.